DRDO for hike in budget

New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation on Wednesday sought a hike in its budget, saying China was spending close to 20 per cent of its defence outlay on research and development, compared to just 5-6 per cent in India. It said the current spending was “inadequate” to meet growing defence needs.

It also pitched for increased manpower while noting a top-heavy institution with a narrow base was not desirable, as young scientists need to work on the technological needs of the future.

“A mere 5-6 per cent of the defence budget for R&D is inadequate to meet India’s defence needs, when China spends 20 per cent,” DRDO director-general S. Christopher said.